It is the second time in the past three surveys that a fall in output was recorded.

The financial, travel, tourism and leisure sectors were the hardest hit while activity rose at business services companies.

Falling oil prices and bad winter weather were also blamed for the dip.

Mr MacRae said: “Manufacturing exporters have been affected by the falling euro while services businesses in hospitality are ­seeing a changing pattern of spending resulting from the lowered alcohol limit while driving.

“All are affected by subdued business confidence associated with the fall in the price of oil and the bad winter weather.

“But recovery is on the way with levels of new business increasing, employment rising in all sectors and the oil price up 20 per cent from January’s low.”

Services businesses in hospitality are ­seeing a changing pattern of spending resulting from the lowered alcohol limit while driving

Donald MacRae, of Bank of Scotland

While the higher legal alcohol limit of 80mg in every 100ml of blood remains in England and Wales, Holyrood used devolved powers to lower it to 50mg, bringing Scotland into line with many countries in Europe.

But pub landlords argue there is a need for a sliding scale of punishments, in line with the practice on the Continent.

Last month a poll of more than 400 pubs suggested the new limits are having a devastating impact, with millions of pounds lost in alcohol sales as people stay at home or stick to soft drinks.

The survey by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) reignited fears thousands of jobs could be lost.

SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson said: “There is no doubt this is having a severe impact on our businesses – much more severe than the smoking ban, which saw three pubs a week closing.

“The Scottish Government was given the power to change the limit but not the penalties.

"People are afraid of the prospect of having a criminal record for 20 years for driving with a small amount of residual alcohol in their system.

"The system is scaring people away from pubs – even to have a glass of wine while having a meal.

“We have got to have the penalties changed.”

The Scottish Government has said it is determined to “end the tragedy of deaths caused by drink-driving” and argues that “if new law saves one life, it will be a success”.